After seeing action as a true freshman in 2009, Richards has seen considerable action in 22 games last two seasons, starting four contests ... listed as No. 1 cornerback entering fall camp.

2011: Played in all 12 games and started one contest (at Marshall) ... finished season as seventh-leading tackler for the Blazers with 38 stops, including 28 solo hits ... also registered three tackles for loss with one sack ... recorded four pass breakups ... had arguably his best game of season against Mississippi State as he posted a season-high seven tackles, had two tackles for loss, one sack and a pass breakup against the Bulldogs ... registered five tackles vs. Tulane and Tulsa ... had four stops against UCF and Houston.

2010: Appeared in 10 games and started three (SMU, Tennessee and UCF) ... finished season with 14 tackles, including nine solo stops ... had three pass breakups ... registered half of his tackles for the season in game at SMU when he had seven stops ... also had three tackles against Tennessee ... also had a pair of pass breakups against the Mustangs.

2009: Played in 10 games as true freshman ... made one start (at Marshall) during season ... finished year with 14 total tackles, including nine solo stops ... recorded pair of pass breakups ... in his start at Marshall, Richards had a season-high seven tackles ... also had five tackles a week earlier at Ole Miss.

High School: Attended Tuscaloosa County High School ... one of top defensive backs in the state and also one of the fastest ... made 83 tackles (62 solos/21 assists) as a senior as he helped lead Tuscaloosa County to a second consecutive Class 6A Region 5 championship ... named by Tuscaloosa News a member of the West Alabama Class 6A All-Stars ... recorded a season-high 14 tackles in second round of Class 6A state playoffs vs. Mountain Brook ... registered five interceptions and returned one for a touchdown against Hueytown ... also returned three kickoffs during the season for 49 yards ... coached by Robert Higginbotham ... a sprinter on the Tuscaloosa County track team, Richards won the Class 6A 100-meter title in 2008.

Personal: Born Oct. 20, 1990 at Greenville, Ala. ... son of Nichole and Joe Anders ... major is communications studies.